What is pubic hair?
Pubic hair is the hair that grows in the pubic area of both men and women. It is a natural part of human development during puberty and serves several purposes:
- Protection – Pubic hair protects the sensitive skin and mucous membranes of the genitals from friction and infection.
- Privacy – Pubic hair is associated with sexual maturity and acts as a visual signal of physical maturity and readiness for sexual activity.
- Attraction – Many people consider pubic hair sexually attractive. The amount and style of pubic hair can enhance sex appeal.
- Scent – Pubic hair holds scent from pheromones and other bodily secretions, which can contribute to sexual attraction.
The amount of pubic hair that a person grows is influenced by genetics, hormones, age, and ethnicity. Pubic hair typically begins growing during puberty and reaches its peak thickness and coverage during the teen years and early 20s. As people age, pubic hair coverage often decreases and becomes thinner, turning gray or white.
What is considered too much pubic hair?
There is no definitive amount of pubic hair that is considered universally “too much.” The optimal amount of pubic hair is a personal preference that varies considerably between individuals.
Here are some signs that you may have more pubic hair than desired:
- Hair extends to the inner thighs, lower abdomen or anal area
- Hair grows along the shaft of the penis or outer labia
- Hair is thick and dense throughout the pubic region
- Hair strays from the bikini line onto the legs or stomach
- Hair peeks out from the edges of a swimsuit
- Hair becomes tangled, matted or unmanageable
- Hair traps sweat, odor and bacteria
- Hair causes itching, irritation or folliculitis
- Hair limits your clothing options
- Hair decreases sensitivity during oral sex
- Hair reduces confidence in intimate situations
The most important factor is how you feel about the amount of hair. If your pubic hair makes you self-conscious or uncomfortable in any way, it may be considered excessive for your preferences.
Tips for checking your pubic hair coverage
To assess if you have more pubic hair than desired, here are some tips:
- Use a hand mirror to view the pubic area and note how far the hair extends
- Take photos of the pubic region while standing to see overall hair growth
- Try on tight clothing, like yoga pants or swimwear, to check for stray hairs
- Run your fingers through your pubic hair to gauge thickness and density
- Ask a partner to look and give an honest opinion on the amount
- Get a professional opinion from a doctor, nurse or aesthetician
The best time to check is right after showering when the hair is wet and flat against the skin. Pull the skin taut for the most accurate view of coverage. Checking every few months allows you to monitor changes in growth patterns over time.
Pubic hair styles and grooming
If you decide you want to reduce or style your pubic hair, you have options:
Shaving
Shaving is a quick and simple way to remove pubic hair. However, stubble usually returns within days. Possible side effects include razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs.
Waxing
Waxing pulls hair directly from the follicle and provides longer lasting smoothness. Waxing can be painful and may cause irritation and bumps. Hair regrows after 4-6 weeks.
Depilatories
Chemical hair removal creams dissolve hair at the surface of the skin. Results last about a week. Caution is needed to avoid skin irritation.
Epilators
Epilators remove hair by plucking multiple hairs at once. Tweezing can be painful but results may last a few weeks. Redness and irritation can occur.
Electrolysis/Laser
Electrolysis kills hair follicles with electrical current. Laser hair removal damages follicles with pulsating light beams. Both provide long-term hair reduction but require multiple, costly treatments.
Trimming
Using scissors or a body groomer to trim pubic hair is longer lasting than shaving. Trimming reduces bulk while allowing you to retain some hair.
Styling
Pubic hair can be shaped into various styles, from basic triangle or landing strip designs to more intricate stenciled patterns. Use a guard comb with trimmers to maintain chosen styles.
Pubic hair grooming tips
Proper tools and techniques are important for minimizing irritation and injury to the sensitive genital area:
- Always cleanse the area before hair removal
- Use a new, sterile razor or waxing kit each time
- Apply a soothing gel or cream before and after hair removal
- Gently pull skin taut when shaving or trimming
- Use a light touch and shave in the direction of hair growth
- Disinfect tweezers before plucking hairs
- Avoid applying depilatories to irritated or broken skin
- Wear loose clothing after hair removal
- Watch for signs of infection like persistent redness or pus
- Allow time between hair removal sessions for skin to heal
Take care to clean any razors, trimmers and tweezers thoroughly. Pubic hair grooming carries a higher risk of infection compared to other areas of the body.
Dealing with irritation from pubic hair removal
Pubic hair removal can sometimes cause uncomfortable itching, red bumps or ingrown hairs around the bikini line and genital area. Here are some remedies if this occurs:
- Avoid irritating the area by wearing loose, breathable clothing
- Gently cleanse with mild soap and water
- Use a cool compress to relieve discomfort and redness
- Apply aloe vera gel or a hydrocortisone cream
- Exfoliate gently with a loofah or dry brush before hair regrows
- Avoid picking or scratching the area
- Use an antiseptic on nicks, cuts or infected ingrowns
- See a doctor if irritation is severe or doesn’t improve
With proper care, most pubic hair removal irritation resolves within a few days. Seek medical treatment if you observe signs of a more serious infection.
When to consider permanent hair removal
For those who always keep their pubic hair meticulously groomed or completely removed, permanent hair removal is an option. Electrolysis and laser treatments are the only proven methods of permanent pubic hair eradication.
Permanent removal may be something to consider if:
- You constantly keep the area shaved or waxed
- You experience significant irritation from hair removal
- You have a partner who prefers no pubic hair
- You desire a perfectly smooth look
- You want to avoid constant maintenance
- Ingrown hairs are a chronic problem
Laser and electrolysis require multiple treatments over several months. Sessions can be expensive and somewhat painful. Consider consulting with a dermatologist to determine if permanent hair removal is right for you.
Pubic hair trends
Pubic hair trends have fluctuated over time from the bushy retro of the 1970s to the bare Brazilians of modern porn. Ultimately, you should style your hair based on personal preference, not because of passing fads.
However, here are some current pubic hair trends:
- The triangle – A classic inverted triangle leaves hair in the mons area
- The landing strip – A rectangular shape runs vertically above the genitals
- All-natural – Allowing hair to grow fully untrimmed
- Barely there – Leaving only a thin strip of trimmed hair
- Clean shaven – Removing all pubic hair
- Shaped styles – Using stencils or freehand to create shapes
- Dyeing – Coloring hair creative colors like blue, pink or purple
Feel free to experiment to find your ideal pubic hair look. Just take care to avoid skin irritation from frequent dyeing or harsh removal.
Cultural and health considerations
Attitudes regarding pubic hair are often influenced by cultural background and health factors. For instance:
- Some religions prohibit removal of pubic hair
- European women tend to view more body hair as natural and feminine
- Muslim teachings recommend pubic hair removal for hygiene
- Asian cultures often associate less pubic hair with youth and beauty
- Removal may increase risks of contracting STIs
- Doctors may advise cancer patients to avoid irritation from grooming
Consider any personal or family traditions that might impact your pubic hair preferences. Talk to your doctor if you have any medical conditions that warrant special caution with grooming.
When pubic hair becomes a problem
For most people, pubic hair is simply a cosmetic concern and grooming is a matter of personal style. But sometimes excess pubic hair growth can indicate an underlying medical condition that needs treatment:
- Hirsutism – Excess thick dark hair on women, often due to hormonal imbalances
- PCOS – Polycycystic ovarian syndrome linked to excess testosterone in women
- Cushing’s disease – Disorder causing high cortisol levels and increased body hair
- Medications – Some drugs cause increased hair growth as a side effect
- Puberty – Hormone surges during adolescence spark increased body and pubic hair
- Pregnancy – Hormone changes can cause changes in pubic hair during pregnancy
See a doctor promptly if your pubic hair becomes coarser, darker or more extensive seemingly for no reason. Testing can determine if an underlying hormonal imbalance or health issue needs attention.
Summary of key points
- There is no set amount of pubic hair that is too much – personal grooming preference varies
- Signs you may have excess hair include thickness, spread to thighs and tangled hair
- View and feel your pubic hair to assess if you have more than desired
- Options for removing hair include shaving, waxing, depilatories, epilators and electrolysis/laser
- Take care to avoid irritation, rashes and ingrown hairs when grooming
- Consider permanent removal if you constantly keep hairless and have chronic irritation
- Choose pubic hair styles based on personal taste, not just current fashion trends
- Excessive growth could signal an underlying medical issue like PCOS or hirsutism
The optimal amount of pubic hair is different for every individual. Learn to make informed choices about grooming based on your personal preferences and health. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if excess pubic hair is impacting your self-confidence or indicates a possible medical problem needing evaluation.
Conclusion
Pubic hair grooming is a personal decision based on individual tastes, cultural factors and health considerations. There is no universal standard for having too much pubic hair. The most important gauge is how you feel about your own body hair.
Keep in mind that removing pubic hair carries some risks like irritation and infections. Take care to groom gently and allow recovery time between hair removal sessions. Consider seeking permanent procedures only after proper research and thought.
Ultimately, choose the pubic hair style that makes you feel attractive and boosts your intimate confidence, whether that means going bare or retaining full natural growth. Learn to check your hair periodically and speak up if excessive growth could signal any underlying health issues needing a doctor’s evaluation. With some self-awareness and proper precautions, you can tailor your pubic hair to match your personal preferences and situation.